Knicks Owner James Dolan Bans Heckler for Life from Madison Square Garden, Alleges Stalking and Setup

New York Knicks owner James Dolan (left) has stated his belief that a recent viral heckling incident was the result of a “setup” by a fan to make money. (Kathy Willens/AP)

New York Knicks owner James Dolan was recently the subject of a viral video in which a fan shouted: “Sell the team” at the Madison Square Garden chairman as he was exiting the arena. Subsequently, Dolan told the fan “Enjoy watching [the Knicks] on TV.”

A fan told Knicks owner James Dolan to sell the team and he reacted by kicking him out of MSG and telling him to "Enjoy watching them on TV." ?

Now, a few days later and after media backlash, it seems Dolan was serious and stands behind his intent to bar the heckler from Madison Square Garden for life. Appearing Tuesday on The Michael Kay Show, which airs on ESPN 98.7 as well as the YES Network, Dolan stated he had been “stalked” by the fan in question, and that the altercation was a “setup” given how quickly the footage was sold to TMZ.

Serving as owner of the New York Knicks since 1999, James Dolan has more often than not drawn the ire of Knicks fans during his tenure in charge of the team. With the team currently sitting at 13-55, and engaging in such antics as having legendary Knicks enforcer Charles Oakley thrown out of Madison Square Garden in 2017, it’s safe to say many Knicks fans would welcome it if James Dolan did indeed sell the Knicks, as he continues to deny as an option.